It may be the season of mischief and mayhem, but we're not here to mess around. Halloween candy is serious business—a $3.1 billion business, to be exact—and it's only getting bigger and better every year.
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But which Halloween goodies reign supreme?
Presenting this question to your friends and family is great for starting a very entertaining fight over the dinner table. Who here hasn't questioned an entire relationship upon learning about their spouse's love for Almond Joys? Or stop speaking to a beloved aunt after she verbally harassed your equally beloved Smarties? Or got a little too emotional defending your undying devotion to Snickers?
While personal preference for sour or sweet obviously plays a role in your favorites, there's no arguing with the facts. And CandyStore.com has all the facts. The online bulk candy retailer did all of our dirty work and dug up the top three most popular candies in every state. So the titles for best Halloween candy are clear and no longer up for debate.
Whether you're stocking up for trick-or-treaters or just looking for some data to back up your candy-inspired arguments, the results are in. The 10 candies below are the top-ranking treats in America.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Most popular in: California, Kentucky, Wyoming, North Carolina and Florida
Coming in at number one in the U-S-of-A is a candy that pretty much everyone can agree on: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Be it mini, full-sized, or Easter-egg shaped, these peanut-butter-filled treats have been winning the hearts (and stomachs) of Americans since 1928.
Skittles
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Most popular in: Oklahoma and Alabama
It's not just chocolate-flavored goodness that wins over the nation. Skittles, the chewy rainbow-hued treats invented in 1974, come in second place for being America's favorite candy. Even though we all have our favorite flavors (team grape over here) it's the collective color-blending magic of these sweet snacks that make them such a hit.
M&M's
Most popular in: Oregon, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Vermont
The little chocolate-covered discs of sugary perfection that come in a bunch of delicious varieties—crispy, peanut butter, pretzel, and even the holiday season's festive flavors—have been pleasing taste buds since 1941. Whether you like your chocolate with a crunch or just straight up, M&M's show no signs of losing their place in the top three.
Starburst
Most popular in: Texas, Indiana and Michigan
This classic will never go out of style. The chewy, tangy fruit-flavored pouches have been around since 1960, and they just keep getting better. From the original fruity tastes to their more modern incarnations—like Tropical, Sour, or Original FaveREDS—one thing is for sure: Starbursts are here to stay.
Hot Tamales
Most popular in: Nevada, North Dakota, Minnesota and Virginia
Spicy may not be the first flavor you think of, but this cinnamon-y novelty treat is a Halloween favorite. Since hitting the shelves in 1950, Hot Tamales have been pleasing taste buds all over the country, adding a little fire to the mix.
Sour Patch Kids
Most popular in: Nebraska, Illinois, New York, Maine, Alaska and Massachusetts
First they're sour, then they're sweet—Sour Patch Kids have been winning over candy lovers since 1985. These soft, chewy bites of gummy goodness may be small, but they pack a powerful flavor punch that's become an undeniable Halloween treat.
Hershey Kisses
Most popular in: Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland
Who can resist these bite-sized beauties? Hershey Kisses have been a classic since 1907, and with over 10 varieties to choose from, there's something for every taste. Whether you savor the creamy classic milk chocolate, crunch on the cookies 'n' creme flavor, or go for a stroll through caramel, these kisses keep making us swoon.
Snickers
Most popular in: Idaho
The perfect mix of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts has made Snickers an unbeatable treat. Originally created in 1930, these bars keep going strong. They're great frozen for a delicious cold snack or broken up into pieces as a topping for your favorite ice cream sundae.
Tootsie Pops
Most popular in: Washington, Utah, and Tennessee
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Just ask anyone from Washington, Utah or Tennessee. These lollipops have been a favorite since 1931, and with nearly 20 flavors to choose from, you'll never get bored.
Candy Corn
Most popular in: Nowhere
It may not be any state's number one favorite, but this tri-colored classic is beloved enough to make it in the top three of enough states to make it to number 10 in the country. Whether you love it, hate it, or are still processing your feelings about it, candy corn has been around since the 1880s and will be an immortal Halloween treat for years to come.
